Former European cable execs see BPL parallels

Tom Walsh and Patricia McGrath were executives at UPC Broadband — now owned by Liberty Global. The Netherlands-based firm grew from a 200-user cable modem trial network in Amsterdam in the mid 90s to a customer base of over 1.5 million cable broadband subscribers in 14 countries in 2002. Walsh was vice president of engineering and then operations and McGrath was vice president of network planning and implementation.

The two left UPC and in 2005 they started Glasnua Ltd. in Ireland. They looked at various alternative technologies and soon found BPL. Glasnua, are convinced BPL is the technology it had been looking for and set its sights on deploying BPL for utility services and retail triple play throughout Europe .

Walsh and McGrath spoke to us Thursday from their headquarters in County Kerry in Southwest Ireland .Walsh is CTO and McGrath is director.“ Europe will offer incredible opportunity for ‘smart grid’ technology players for the next 10 years,” said Walsh. He believes the key for BPL technology firms to succeed in Europe will be to maintain a presence without draining resources and funds.

www.glasnua.com is set up to help. The firm’s been trying to land BPL projects with utilities but like everywhere, European utilities have resisted.

EU’s pushing BPL

“Utilities have been slow to come to the table so far — but here in Europe the EU is actively pushing the technology,” said Walsh. Why is the government of Europe pushing BPL?

A BPL initiative is underway to “overcome the energy challenges presented by a rapidly expanding [EU] membership where demand is outstripping supply,” Walsh reported. He and McGrath are involved in that government effort and they’re confident “it will happen,” she added. The firm wants to introduce to Europe some of the main players in the BPL world “that have existing and proven technologies and proven business cases so that we can jump start some technology trials.

“We believe that some of the strongest players have a great opportunity to be in at the beginning” — with a real possibility to turn those trials into commercial deployments.

Glasnua hopes to avoid “open-ended science experiments — that I think have been some people’s experience in the past,” said McGrath. Some of the utilities in the EU are trying to “reinvent the wheel,” she added — and Glasnua wants to show them wheels are “already out there,” she added.

The challenge for Glasnua is to make deals with international BPL technology firms including US firms and represent them in Europe.

The name says it all

Glasnua learned early that utilities aren’t usually interested in hype about the broadband business. True to its name, the firm is focused on utility applications and sees that market offering huge potential. Commercial broadband is a side benefit that can be delivered by firms that lease bandwidth from the utility, he noted.

But the need for the 21st century smart grid is urgent. The EU grew from 15 to 27 countries in the last 3 years, Walsh reminded. Many have rapidly growing economies that are putting incredible demand on power grids.

These states have limited raw resources for energy production and a lack of organization in the power interconnection between countries. The EU doesn’t have a system to manage the grid or know “who’s producing power” and who’s using it.

“Smart grid efficiency and control are finally being seen as the way to integrate and manage the various networks” — and cut reliance on generators outside the Union, said Walsh.

Meanwhile less developed nations in the EU are trying to build their economies and getting access to broadband is a key ingredient. “Pilot projects are being planned to take the best existing solutions and test them for commercial roll-outs throughout Europe.”

Walsh expects BPL’s role to expand as green power generation projects such as home-based generation, solar panels, wind farms, tidal power and more start populating the grid. Interconnection with those projects will make managing the reliability of the grid ever more complicated — and some look to BPL as an obvious answer to managing that complexity.

They saw cable get smart

BPL reminds Walsh of the early days of cable. People in 1997 told him cable modem networks “couldn’t happen, it wouldn’t work — we were dreaming.” BPL is in roughly the same position as cable was then — with a lack of standards, some engineering challenges in creating networks plus it’s got its nay sayers.

The broadband boom in Europe was similar to “the wave that’s building for smart grids. ”Cable traditionally was a one-way, wire-based distribution network. Sounds familiar.

Cable modem technology introduced tremendous advantages by adding IP to those networks.

Suddenly the operator could see the condition of every piece of gear on the network all the way to the customer’s modem.

That gave Walsh a brand new kind of power in making financial decisions. He could make choices on where to spend money on the network — based not on which technology officer in field wrote the most compelling request, “but on actual live statistics,” he stressed.

His operational crews — that had only ever been reactive — could now act proactively based on real-time data and “before stuff breaks.” Walsh would set targets and key performance indicators for his managers and then “see how they were doing — not based on a score card but actual real statistics, real facts.” www.glasnua.com

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: All of a sudden you had huge efficiencies coming into the operation which means you gave better end-service to the customer. At the same time you were able to reduce costs of providing the service. This was all happening in the cable sector probably in the years of 2002, 2003. Take that benefit and combine it with BPL and you are making that business case look much rosier.

Tom Walsh, CTO, Glasnua

These folks have scaled

Another similarity with cable is the problem utilities face in scaling data networks to cover entire utility footprints. Those are the same problems Walsh tackled with cable-based broadband, he reminded.

It takes “business nerve” to wait for the opportunities to ripen — and then capital to take advantage of the moment when it’s right.

Superior technology will win out, he added. “For us, ‘smart grids’ is nothing new. www.glasnua.com/aboutus.html

“We deployed similar technology on communications networks and quickly realized the operational benefits when scaling is handled correctly.”

“The smart grids principle is not new. “It’s been [used] in the telecom sector for over four years and has revolutionized both technical and operational management.

“These benefits can now be realized by power utilities, too”

By: Tom Walsh

About the Author:

Modern hospitals depend heavily on medical technology to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases. A typical mid-sized hospital has hundreds of items of medical equipment, from simple stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors to highly sophisticated MRI machines and linear accelerators. Hospitals are complex enterprises with entire departments dedicated to technology planning, assessment, acquisition, maintenance, upgrade and replacement at the end of the product life cycle. They have elaborate systems, programs, policies, procedures and protocols in place for purchasing new medical equipment.

To sell successfully to healthcare providers, marketing and sales professionals have to be well versed in the buying processes that healthcare providers use. Medical device marketing is quite different from any other marketing. Typically, hospitals have a review process to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate their medical technology needs. The review’s scope depends on the cost of the technology, and may involve many departments. For expensive equipment, the review most likely will be elaborate. For less expensive and disposable items, the review may simply assess the department’s current needs, and the proposed purchase’s operational and financial impacts. In either case, a market survey and literature search take place to some extent, and this is supplemented with extensive data collection and analysis when needed. This is why white papers and case studies published by medical device manufacturers are very useful during the review process – the decision-makers look for every bit of information they can find. Hence, white papers and case studies can significantly influence the decision-making process. A typical review process includes the following phases:

1. Strategic planning 2. Assessment 3. Acquisition 4. Utilization 5. Repair and maintenance 6. Replacement and disposal

The process starts with strategic planning. In this top-level phase, the relevant stakeholders (e.g., Directors, Professors, Managers, Doctors, Engineers, Purchasing, etc.) review key issues, success factors and resource allocation, and assign responsibilities for sustained improvement in technological performance. They identify the services their facility provides, and the technologies that would complement their existing services. The typical questions to answer are: Where are we? Where do we want to be? How are we going to get there?

Because medical technology greatly impacts the cost and structure of healthcare delivery, hospitals include technology assessment in their planning process, which typically includes cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses.

Cost-benefit analysis calculates the costs of applying the technology and compares them to the benefits resulting from its application. It provides criteria upon which to base decisions of whether to adopt or reject a proposed device. The device is adopted if its benefits exceed its costs. However, one limitation of this analysis is that it expresses all benefits, including therapeutic effects, in monetary terms. Hence, hospitals also conduct cost-effectiveness analyses to quantify therapeutic effects in terms of reduced patient hospital stays, and compare these to the costs of the technology’s implementation. Although at first glance the chosen technology may seem to have limited impact on other facility operations, stakeholders also examine the likely effect of the new equipment on existing services.

Other aspects of cost-effectiveness analysis include assessment of long-term replacement strategies and identification of emerging technologies. Since medical devices have finite longevity, hospitals have replacement plans to minimize the effects of unforeseen capital replacement. By identifying emerging technologies that fit into the projected plans of the hospital’s service area, the hospital tries to avoid investing in nearly obsolete technologies.

Purchase of a new technology is justified only when an increase in equipment’s cost-effectiveness is clearly demonstrated. The typical questions asked during the analysis are:

* Will the new medical device increase the volume of the service? * Will it raise the costs of the service? * Will the device generate additional revenues and, if so, how much? * What is the new device’s expected lifespan? * What is the device’s reliability and the costs associated with its repair and maintenance? * How reliable and reputable is the manufacturer? * What impact will the new device have on routine operating costs? * What will the disposal cost be? * How easy is the device to operate?

Once the technology has been assessed and the decision to purchase has been made, the next phase in the process is technology acquisition, which typically includes the following steps:

* Preparation of general and functional specifications * Clinical, technical and cost evaluations * Review of proposals and evaluations, and making a final decision on a device manufacturer * Contract negotiation for the device’s acquisition * Preparation and issuance of a purchase order * Contract award

A contract award is the green light for the medical device company to deliver and install the product.

By: Alec Alpert

About the Author:

Getting an information technology degree makes perfect sense in a world where the technology’s expansion rate shows no signs of slowing down. Those who love to work with computers and are looking for a solid and dependable career choice would be wise to consider the information technology field. No matter where one goes in the world, IT professionals will find their skills in demand.

It is no secret how much daily life has come to depend on computers and their various aspects. From computer programming to network engineering, the demand for intelligent and detail focused individuals are an essential element. This is especially true if things are expected to stay running in a functional and efficient manner.

Unbeknownst to many, there are a number of different career choices when it comes to the information technology field. While some careers are very detail oriented and have individuals working in solitary environments, others require the cooperation of many departments at a time. While some careers require an individual to think fast on their feet others simply require following preset instructions.

As long as a person has an interest in computers, there is likely a career in information technology that they will find fulfilling. As technology changes so do certain aspects of an information technology career. This guarantees an individual will never get stuck in a rut when it comes to their job.

More often than not, getting an information technology degree will also entail getting a particular type of certification in such areas as Cisco’s CCNA or Microsoft’s MCSE and other applications. These specialized skills can help further their career and gain just the earning power they have been looking for. In fact, many companies only hire individuals with qualifications held in these types of programs.

A reputable information technology program is one that works closely with vendors such as Microsoft to help students get certified in all programs from MCSA and MCAD to Comptia’s A+ or Net+. Because technology changes as rapidly as it does, students may find they will need to update their certification from time to time. However, this keeps them at the forefront of the newest technologies as they emerge.

As technology progresses, the need for computer savvy technicians also rises; however, IT positions are not just filled by those walking in off the street. Until a person gets the right skills with the right education, an IT job will be completely off limits. Taking part in an accredited program will get the wheels going on an individual’s IT career in no time.

Depending on what an individual hopes to achieve, he or she can spend as little as one year learning the ropes for a new IT career. Extensive degrees can take two to four years to complete. The bonus of getting an information technology degree is that a person can build their career goals in the direction that fits them best.

For those already in the field looking to advance themselves, an accredited school can offer financial aid. This can help cut back on the reservations that many adults have about going back to school. Many schools offer financial aid specialists that help individuals hatch just the right plan to get them where they want to go.

An information technology degree has helped many individuals get high paying jobs with both large and small companies in every industry across the board. Some information technology jobs can boast the highest starting salaries of any career choice available. This has made information technology jobs one of the most sought after careers ever.

By: Andy West

About the Author:

Running Head: Breaking the Technology Barrier

Breaking the Technology Barrier: Using Technology in Education

Patrick Wellert

ETC 558

Northern Arizona University

Abstract

It has long been difficult for teachers to effectively communicate the objectives and goals in a fun and exciting way that reaches the students.  In the changing times teachers need to find ways to include students into the lesson using the technology made available to them. It has long been believed that teachers need to get over their fear and use technology openly with students in order to meet their educational needs. By including students into the lessons teachers will experience a more positive classroom experience.

 Breaking the Technology Barrier: Using Technology in Education

            Technology and education have always seemed to go together. In order to prepare students for the workplace or college they need to be able to be exposed to it. Teachers in the classroom use technology believing that the students are gaining valuable information and retaining the concepts taught but in reality the students need to be involved in the lesson and actively participating in activities that include technology. Student engagement is critical to student motivation during the learning process. The more students are motivated to learn, the more likely it is that they will be successful in their efforts. (Beeland, 2002).

Uses of Technology

            There are numerous uses of technologies that are available to teachers to include students into the classroom’s lesson. These include Interactive Whiteboards, Proximas, PowerPoint games, interactive DVDs, Ventrilo chat software, Myspace, Blackboard, and scavenger hunts. To put the uses of technology into an effective practice, teachers need to help students set achievable goals; encourage students to assess themselves and their peers; help them to work co-operatively in groups and ensure that they know how to exploit all the available resources for learning (Hall, 2006). The following are how some technology is used to help students learn.

Interactive Whiteboards

            There are two different types of whiteboards. The first is a virtual version of a dry erase board. It allows students to see what the instructor or other students write or draw using a special pen. The second functions similar to a normal whiteboard but also contains a projector screen, an electronic copy board or as a computer projector screen on which the computer image can be controlled by touching or writing on the surface of the panel instead of using a mouse or keyboard. They function by connecting a projector to the whiteboard panel with the use of a computer and software. It is important to know the different functions in order to determine which whiteboard is right for the educator. By knowing the difference you can also learn the terminology and understand the basic functions of each.

Proximas and PowerPoint

            PowerPoint is a software program that is being used in the classroom as a tool to incorporate learning activities into the curriculum. PowerPoint enables teachers and students to actively create presentations with graphics, charts, diagrams, and pictures in their slideshows to help make often complicated ideas and lessons more manageable and understandable. It is a way for students to engage in research, and present information to their peers. When students are actively learning, taking an active role in the learning process, they seem to understand the information better, and enjoy the lesson. The use of a game also allowed Jones and Mungai to directly address the learning style needs of the visual (58%) and tactile learner (22%), which represents eighty-percent of those involved in the content related courses. When constructed with different learning styles in mind, games can often accelerate the learning process (Jones & Mungai, 2003). By itself PowerPoint is not a cure-all remedy, but rather a tool that needs to be understood and used properly for it to be effective as an active learning tool. It also has shown that students that did use PowerPoint as a learning tool were more engaged in the discussions (Rowcliffe, 2003). This will encourage teachers to use PowerPoint as a way to involve students into a lesson by stimulating discussion. For PowerPoint to take place in a classroom an Interactive Whiteboard or a Proxima is needed. A Proxima displays a computer screen onto a screen much like a projector at a movie theater. The user is able to display items such as websites, PowerPoint, and interactive games. A way for students to interact using this technology is through games created by teachers and used in the PowerPoint lesson. Games such as Hollywood Squares, Jeopardy, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire are created using slides and links to answer the questions. Teachers may use a blank template and fill them with different answers for the students to use as a review. Teachers may even let the students create their own review using the blank templates. This activity can also be used in a small group or team setting.

 Advantages to the Students

Learning sciences research tells us that students learn much better “by doing” rather than “by listening.” This means that passive learning – the traditional lecture – is being replaced in our classrooms by more active learning activities that emphasize student problem solving, discussion, presentation and other “authentic” learning-by-doing-activities. (Day, 2004). By including students into the lesson it opens up a realm of possibilities because students can retain roughly only 10% of what they write down.

Teacher Apprehension

            So why are teachers not using technology that engages and interacts more frequently with students? There are many reasons why teachers feel apprehensive or uncomfortable using an interactive whiteboard, proxima and PowerPoint. The first of which could be the length of time from their college prep program until now. Teachers often get exposed to and learn new technologies in their teacher prep courses. Some might not have been prepared enough upon entering the workforce. Although the availability of technology in American schools has increased (US Department of Education, 2000), information released by The National Education Association (2004) indicates that less than 35% of public school teachers feel they are "well prepared" or "very well prepared" to use this technology effectively.

            The second reason is blockage from the school’s control or security system. Teachers claim that the firewalls and filtering systems create blockage in their attempts to educate and communicate with others with technology (Murray, 2004). The teachers and other users can become frustrated when they do not understand why a certain item like a website used for a scavenger hunt or a hyperlink in a PowerPoint are not available.

            The inconsistency from school to school is another reason. At one site there may be access to all different types of technology while at another the absence is very evident. The general public perception is that our schools are using technology and managing our resources in that area well. In several surveys done some schools do show nearly 100 percent use of technology while in others the use of technology is nonexistent (Starr, 2003).

Summary

The research has shown that there are proven benefits to using technology in the classroom. The ability to integrate technology into the classroom can add valuable information and ideas to our students.

By facilitating Proximas, PowerPoint, and interactive whiteboards our teachers will be able to reach a broader audience of learners.    

References

Beeland, W.D. (2002). Student engagement, visual learning and technology: can interactive

whiteboards help? Retrieved May 31, 2008, from www.apexavsi.com

Day, J. (2004). Enhancing the classroom learning experience with web lectures. Retrieved May 31, 2008 from http://smartech.gatech.edu/dspace/handle/1853/65

Hall, B. (2008, March 4). Explorations in learning. Message posted to Student Centered Learning, archived at http://secondlanguagewriting.com/explorations/Archives/2006/Jul/Studentcent

eredLearning.html

Jones, D. C. & Mungai, D. (2003). Technology-enabled teaching for maximum learning.

International Journal of Learning, (10), 3491-3501.     

Murray, C. (2004). Teachers: Limited time, access cut school tech use [Electronic version] e School news, 1-5

National Education Association. (2004): Technology in Schools. Retrieved May 31, 2008 from

http://www.nea.org/cet/

Rowcliffe, S. (2003) Using PowerPoint effectively in science education: lessons

from research and guidance for the classroom. School Science Review 84 (309).

Starr, L. (2003). Encouraging teacher technology use [Electronic Version] Education World, pg 1

US Department of Education. (2000). Internet access in public schools. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistic.

By: Patrick Wellert

About the Author:

It seems like every couple of years there are new advances made and our technology springs forward. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with all of the incredibly fast paced advances made. Currently, blue ray technology has been brought into the mainstream and learning what this technology is can keep consumers up to date with the latest inventions in home entertainment.

Discovering What Is Blue Ray Technology

For many, home movies were originally played on the classic vcr tape. Then, the technology moved onto DVD players, and the look of the movies was sharper and of a much better quality. Now the next evolution has started with blue ray technology.

Finding out about what it is includes learning about the differences between this kind of technology and the current mass marketed DVD systems. This new kind of technology has been developing for years, since the mid 1990’s when HDTV’s were becoming more common for consumers to buy. A technology was needed that could record and play back the high definition recordings. Blue Ray technology was created to fill that void.

So what is so special with this technology and how is it different from the standard DVD? BR technology can store far more information that the traditional DVD, almost 5 times more storage is available on a blue ray disc. The blue ray discs use a blue ray laser to read the information where other DVD’s use a red laser.

With a blue laser the wave length is shorter allowing for more storage to be used. This did cause some problems originally, as the discs were much easier to scratch. The case that held the disc had to be made more durable and was somewhat bulky. Advances in polymer coatings have advanced allowing for a better protective coating to be placed on the disc, alleviating the need for the bigger containers.

There are many companies that have a stake in the development of the next cutting edge technology and these companies are looking into both blue ray technology and a HD DVD. Some of the big companies are fighting over which technology should be used and this has caused a split in which companies support which format. Even companies that produce movies are split over which type of technology to use, which means depending on what movie a consumer wishes to purchase; they may need two different types of players.

Both the blue ray and the hddvd players are continuing to improve. In the end, consumers may discover that they enjoy both types of players and they both may be successful with consumers. Learning about what is this technology exactly can help a consumer get a good idea of basic information in regards to this new technology.

By: Michael Hehn

About the Author:

    There is no doubt that science and technology,has led to the development of our great country and indeed the whole world.In order to understand the contribution of science to national development,I will like to define science and technology.

   What is science? Science is the study of knowledge which can be made into a system and ussually depends on seeing and testing facts and stating general laws.Technology on the other hand is the pratical application of scientific knowledge or inventitions to the solving of everyday problems or facilitating tedious human activities.

    The product of science and technology has contributed to the development of countries such as,america,japan,china and to an extent in some african countries.

  Through this application,scientific knowledgable proffessionals,have been able to invent equipments and machines being used in industries and even in our homes, in addition to this science and technology has helped in easing stress,brought by the movement of goods and people from one place to another,by inventing easy transportational equipments like automobiles,aircrafts and so on.

  Furthermore,science and technology has helped in the area of medicine.Some natural herbs converted to drugs with the aid of morden equipment and these drug are used in our hospitals and pharmacies.

 Moreover,rural communities are transformed to urban settelements through science and technology. This is made possible through the availlability of electricty,pipeborne water,good road,schools,hospitals and other social amenities.which makes these places developed,by an increased population.

 Equally important is the fact that science and technology has helped in  making work more eaiser for people to do through the invention of computers and household machinaries, it has also made communication faster, through the use of mobile phones,televisions,radio,uesd in communication.

  Science and technology has aided so many sectors of the economy such as the advertising sector,sports and fitness (weight loss), transportation,and so on.

In conclusion,science and technology,has played an impotant and vital role, inthe development of this great nation and the wide-world.

 

By: Marughu Daniel

About the Author:

ABCO Technology

have partnered with Microsoft, Oracle, Linux Professional Institute, CompTia and as

such offer wide variety of training class that include but are not limited to MCSE training, A+ training, CCNA training, Oracle DBA training Internet and Web Design Training classes, Microsoft Office 2003 training including Microsoft Word Training, Microsoft Excel Training, Microsoft Outlook Training, Microsoft PowerPoint Training.

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ABCO Technology is one of the leading Computer Training Schools who prides itself for providing hands-on practical computer training to both individuals as well as corporate professionals.ABCO Technology is your one stop center for exceptional training programs in a wide variety of delivery formats including computer based training, live

instructor led hands-on computer courses, on site training, as well as IT certification boot camps. We understand that everyone has a preferred method of learning. With that in mind, we’ve broadened our selection to take into account the different teaching methods available today. We prepare students by delivering Hands-on job oriented training with real time projects which teaches them how to apply the knowledge that they gain in classes along with preparing them to pass the vendor based certification exams, which build confidence and assist individuals to apply for a job in the IT industry

By: abco technology

About the Author:

The number of positions available in health care fields is growing rapidly – including cardiovascular technology jobs. Jobs in cardiovascular technology are those in which people assist physicians and other medical professionals in matters related to the heart and circulatory system. Unlike many positions in the field of medicine however, cardiovascular technology training can be completed in two years.

Those who work at Cardiovascular Technology jobs assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions and disorders of the blood and circulation. Jobs in cardiovascular technology fall into one of three major areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular technology.

One of the more interesting cardiovascular jobs is that of a cardiovascular technician. Students who undergo cardiovascular technology training in this particular field learn to administer electrocardiograms (EKGs) and stress tests as well as Holter monitors.

At cardiovascular technology schools, students also learn how to prepare patients for cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty. In cardiovascular careers, trained medical professionals monitor blood pressure and heart rate, using EKG equipment in the course of examinations as well as during major surgery.

Another interesting choice among the many cardiovascular technology jobs is that of diagnostic medical sonographer. These workers use ultrasound technology in order to conduct noninvasive examinations of the heart. The instrument scans the patient’s heart with sound waves, providing a picture of conditions inside the heart. As a sonographer, you would need to be able to explain the procedure to the patient, program the equipment and record results.

Cardiovascular technology education may take place online as well as at a traditional brick and mortar school. By preparing for a cardiovascular career over the Internet, you’ll be able to fit most of the coursework around your own schedule – and many courses can be taken at your own pace. Later, when you come to a point in your cardiovascular training that requires actual hands-on clinical experience, the online school can arrange this at a local hospital or other medical treatment facility.

Because the American population is growing older in general and because heart conditions are more common in older people, the job outlook for cardiovascular technology careers is promising. Cardiovascular technology jobs pay between $28,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location and job settings. About 75% of these jobs are in hospitals; the remainder are in the offices of physicians and other medical facilities. Cardiovascular training programs are offered online through many major accredited universities and colleges across the U.S. and Canada.

By: Susan Slobac

About the Author:

“Startups often create innovative products but do not have financial muscle, so MicroWorld turned to a partner that was mammoth in size.”

MicroWorld maybe small, but its ambitions are big. MicroWorld strives to offer cutting edge software security solutions to its customers worldwide. But to even get a nibble in the crowded security space, MicroWorld needed to prove that it possessed the technology required to address customer pains—a tough task for the company.

“We do not have huge resources for brand building as compared to established giants,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Govind Rammurthy. MicroWorld’s answer to being small was partnership with one of the world’s largest mail server providers, Deerfield Communications. Deerfield’s MDaemon mail server is used widely across the world.

MailScan, MicroWorld’s mail server content security and anti-virus software, was a perfect fit for MDaemon. Partnering with Deerfield turned the fortunes of MicroWorld. The company tapped into Deerfield’s channel partners and began establishing tie-ups with various resellers, vendors and technology providers.

MicroWorld’s entry into the U.K. market followed a similar pattern. It struck a deal with Paul Smith Computer Services, a leading software company in the U.K. that had many channel partners.

Today, the company has a large network of established partners in various countries- USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, U.K, Norway, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Netherlands, Belgium, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

All incoming and outgoing mail passes through the WinSock Layer at the server and client level. MicroWorld’s WinSock Layer (MWL) sits on WinSock Layer. All content passing through WinSock must pass through MWL, where it’s checked for any security-violating data. If such data is discovered, it is removed and the clean data is passed on to the application.

Simply having an innovative product doesn’t advance one in the race, especially when it comes to selling security products. The challenge was to offer 24/7 service.

“All established players earn a lot from customers and partners through various levels of paid support,” says Sunil Kripalani, VP of International Sales. “We are the only company offering free 24/7 technical supports not only to partners and customers but also to important prospects. This has helped us make real breakthroughs.”

MicroWorld has also explored the advantage of offering customized deals, which have enabled them to enter important segments and signup with some of the best names like Vodaphone, Australia and UK, Ford U.S, and WHO.

By: Microworld Technologies Inc.

About the Author:

(NOTE) The following is an excerpt of my upcoming book entitled, “MORPHING INTO THE REAL WORLD – THE HANDBOOK FOR ENTERING THE WORK FORCE.”

Today, our society is driven by technology and some would accuse me of being an anti-technologist. Having been actively involved with the Information Technology industry over the last 30 years, I can assure you this is simply not true. I have witnessed many different technological enhancements over the years, but what intriques me most is how it affects us socially. I firmly believe technology is purchased more as a fashion statement as opposed to any practical application. Consequently, we tend to under utilize or abuse the technology thereby costing companies millions of dollars. Instead of “Ready, Aim, Fire,” people tend to, “Fire, Aim, Ready.” In other words, people tend to implement the latest technology before they understand precisely what it is or what business need it serves. To me, this is putting the cart before the horse.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the 20th century and the 21st is how technology has changed the pace of our lives. We now expect to communicate with anyone on the planet in seconds, not days. We expect information at our fingertips. We expect to be up and walking shortly after a hip or knee replacement. Basically, we take a lot for granted. But this frenzied pace has also altered how we conduct business and live our lives. To illustrate, we want to solve problems immediately, and have no patience for long term solutions. Consequently, we tend to attack symptoms as opposed to addressing true problems, and apply Band-Aids to pacify the moment as opposed to tourniquets which are actually needed. We are easily satisfied with solving small problems as opposed to conquering major challenges. Personally, we tend to live for today, as opposed to planning for tomorrow. This mindset concerns me greatly.

What if someone pulled the plug on our technology? Would engineers still know how to draft products? Would we still know how to ship a product or process an order? Would our financial transactions come to a halt? Would business come to a standstill? The answer, unfortunately, is Yes. This highlights the overt dependency we have developed on our technology and is cause for alarm. We are being driven by technology as opposed to the other way around. By unplugging our technology, we are unplugging the human-being. Think I’m wrong? Watch what happens the next time the power goes out at your office or home.

Because of the domination of technology, people have allowed their socialization skills to slip. Small things, such as common courtesy, appearance, and our ability to network with others, have all deteriorated in the workplace. We may be effective in communicating electronically, but we are becoming complete failures in communicating socially. Throughout the book I mention how people act on perceptions, right or wrong. These perceptions are based in large part on our ability to communicate, such as through the messages we transmit verbally or written, our appearance, our body language, and how we treat others. If we cannot communicate effectively in this capacity, no amount of technology will be able to alter the perceptions of our coworkers, our managers, our customers, our vendors, or our friends and family.

To this end, I have introduced a new Bryce’s Law:

“As the use of technology increases, social skills decreases.”

By: Tim Bryce

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